Balancing Equations

Front

What is a balanced equation?

Back

A balanced equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.

Front

What does it mean to balance an equation?

Back

To balance an equation means to make sure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What is a reactant?

Back

The chemical substances that begin the reaction.

Front

What is a product in a chemical reaction?

Back

The substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Front

Is the equation H2 + O2 = H2O balanced?

Back

No, it is not balanced.

Front

What is the coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A number placed in front of a chemical formula to indicate how many molecules are involved.

Front

What does it mean if an equation is unbalanced?

Back

It means that the number of atoms for at least one element is different on each side of the equation.

Front

How do you balance the equation C + O2 = CO2?

Back

By placing a coefficient of 2 in front of O2: C + 2O2 = CO2.

Front

What is the first step in balancing an equation?

Back

Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides.